According to The Enterprise, Officer James Lebretton posted a statement on Facebook on Wednesday that said, “It is with deep regret and sorrow that I announce the retirement of my partner K-9 Kaiser. Kaiser was recently diagnosed with severe kidney disease/failure leaving his health to decline rapidly.”

Kaiser joined the force in 2011 when he was donated by a family.

Kaiser was buried at the Angel View Pet Cemetery in Middleborough, where officers lined up again to salute him.

The photo of the officers’ salute to Kaiser went viral on Friday. The photo was posted on the social media website Reddit and was picked up by news outlets all over the country, promoting support from across the nation to pour in.

Lebretton responded to the support on Facebook Friday, saying:

“RIP my boy. I could not have asked for a better partner or friend. May you rest easy and wait for me at that sacred bridge. I will be there my friend. I will be there. I will never forget you or our accomplishments. You made me a better person, a better handler, and a better cop. Till we meet again Kai. I love you and will miss you daily.

And to my boys and blue. Never in my career have I ever been so proud. You out did yourselves today. I could not have asked for a better send off. Kaiser truly was part of the department and loved being a police dog. My fellow K-9 handlers, you are a cut above and showed everyone what being a handler is all about...our pups. I thank each of you and you have my respect forever," Lebretton wrote.

He went on to say that he has read and listened to every message over the last few days and is thankful for the support.

"Kaiser served you well and the streets of Plymouth were safer when he was on patrol. The compassion was overwhelming and I am humbled at the support from perfect strangers,” he said.